UAE Rugby and Netball Tour
During the half term break, 72 pupils from the First and Second Year embarked on a rugby and netball tour of the United Arab Emirates. The school have been out there numerous times before but this was the first time that rugby and netball had combined on the same trip and it made for an excellent sense of community and support throughout the tour.
The sporting facilities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are superb and the outstanding courts/pitches combined with the warm weather meant that all fixtures were played with great skill and at pace. Both girls and boys had a training session to acclimatise on the first day at Dubai English Speaking College (DESC). Then rugby, matches were played at U12 and U13 level against Dubai College, KCS Wimbledon (who were also touring), Brighton College, Abu Dhabi and the Dubai Exiles club side. The girls had matches at U12A, U12B, U13A and U13B level against Infernos netball club, Abu Dhabi netball club and the Dubai Exiles netball club. Both sports were played at some of the most outstanding facilities in the country including the Zayed Sports Stadium in Abu Dhabi, Dubai Sports City and the famous Dubai 7s ground.
Across all fixtures, the pupils applied themselves superbly in the heat, playing some of their best ever sport, working superbly as a unit, harnessing the team spirit that is built so strongly whilst on tour.
Away from the sports fields the activities came thick and fast and combined fun, culture and adventure. Of course, there was time to enjoy the pool and beach (including a giant inflatable obstacle course) as well as a desert safari, Bedouin feast, camel rides and shopping at the souks (and the glitzy malls under the shadow of the Burj Khalifa). Most importantly, there was also a chance to learn about the Emerati culture at the Sheik Mohammed Cultural Centre for Understanding where the pupils enjoyed a talk on the history of the country, its customs and enjoyed a local banquet. Knowledge of the local culture was further enhanced with a trip to the awe inspiring Zayed Grand Mosque where the pupils marvelled at its majesty and learned more about Islam and its rituals. The tour guides commented that the Caterham groups were the best school groups that they have ever taken such was their impeccable behaviour and insightful questioning.
Overall this was a superb trip through which the pupils learned a great deal, both on and off the sports pitch.
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